Upcoming Holidays and Celebrations in Nepal

Nepal

Day Date Holiday Type
Wednesday Jan 11,2023 Prithvi Jayanti Public Holiday
Monday Jan 16,2023 National Day of Mourning Public Holiday
Sunday Jan 22,2023 Sonam Losar (Tamang New Year) Optional Holiday
Thursday Jan 26,2023 Basant Panchami Academic Holiday
Monday Feb 13,2023 People's War Day Public Holiday
Saturday Feb 18,2023 Maha Shivaratri Public Holiday
Sunday Feb 19,2023 National Democracy Day Public Holiday
Wednesday Mar 08,2023 Nari Dibas Public Holiday
Tuesday Mar 21,2023 Godhe Yatra Local holiday
Friday Apr 14,2023 Nepali New Year (Tentative Date) Public Holiday
Saturday Apr 22,2023 Ramjan Edul Fikra Optional Holiday
Monday May 01,2023 Majdoor Divas Public Holiday
Friday May 05,2023 Buddha Jayanti (Tentative Date) Public Holiday
Monday May 29,2023 Ganatantra Diwas (Republic Day) Public Holiday
Thursday Jun 29,2023 Edul Aajaha Optional Holiday
Wednesday Aug 30,2023 Janai Purnima Public Holiday
Friday Sep 01,2023 Gai Jatra Public Holiday
Wednesday Sep 06,2023 Gaura Parba Optional Holiday
Wednesday Sep 06,2023 Shree Krishna Janamashtami (Tentative Date) Public Holiday
Monday Sep 18,2023 Hartalika Teej Optional Holiday
Tuesday Sep 19,2023 Constitution Day Public Holiday
Thursday Sep 28,2023 Indra Jatra Local holiday
Sunday Oct 15,2023 Ghatasthapana Public Holiday
Saturday Oct 21,2023 Phulpati (Dashain) Public Holiday
Sunday Oct 22,2023 Astami (Dashain) Public Holiday
Monday Oct 23,2023 Nawami (Dashain) Public Holiday
Tuesday Oct 24,2023 Dashami (Dashain) Public Holiday
Wednesday Oct 25,2023 Ekadashi (Dashain) Public Holiday
Saturday Nov 11,2023 Phalgunanda Jayanti Optional Holiday
Sunday Nov 12,2023 Laxmi Puja (Tihar) Public Holiday
Tuesday Nov 14,2023 Gobhardan Pujan (Tihar) Public Holiday
Wednesday Nov 15,2023 Bhai Tika (Tihar) Public Holiday
Sunday Nov 19,2023 Chhat Parwa Public Holiday
Monday Nov 27,2023 Guru Nanak Jayanti Optional Holiday
Sunday Dec 03,2023 International Day of Disabled Persons Optional Holiday
Monday Dec 25,2023 Christmas Day Optional Holiday
Tuesday Dec 26,2023 Udhauli Parva Optional Holiday
Saturday Dec 30,2023 Tamu Lhosar Optional Holiday
**Note: While we strive for accuracy in researching and updating holiday dates, some information in the table above might be preliminary. Should you come across any discrepancies, kindly inform us so we can ensure precise information. Thank you for your understanding!

Prithvi Jayanti

Prithvi Jayanti is celebrated in Nepal to honor King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the first king of unified Nepal. This day marks his birth anniversary and is significant for its role in Nepal's unification history. It symbolizes national pride and unity.

National Day of Mourning

The National Day of Mourning is observed to pay homage to the victims of the devastating earthquake in 2015. It's a day of remembrance, reflection, and solidarity as Nepalese remember the lives lost and the challenges faced during the aftermath.

Sonam Losar (Tamang New Year)

Sonam Losar, celebrated by the Tamang community, marks their lunar new year. It involves various cultural rituals, dances, and feasting. This holiday is essential for preserving Tamang culture and strengthening community bonds.

Basant Panchami

Basant Panchami welcomes the arrival of spring in Nepal. It's dedicated to the goddess Saraswati, the patron of knowledge and arts. People worship books and musical instruments, celebrating the importance of education and creativity in their lives.

People's War Day

People's War Day commemorates the beginning of the decade-long civil conflict in Nepal. It reflects on the sacrifices made and the ongoing peace process. It's a day to advocate for peace, reconciliation, and social justice.

Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees fast and visit temples to seek blessings. It symbolizes the destruction of evil and the renewal of life. It's a colorful and spiritual celebration in Nepal.

National Democracy Day

National Democracy Day marks the abolition of the 104-year-old Rana autocracy in Nepal. It celebrates the advent of democracy and the freedom of the Nepali people. It highlights Nepal's democratic journey and the value of political freedom.

Nari Dibas

Nari Dibas, or Women's Day, celebrates the achievements and contributions of Nepalese women. It raises awareness of gender equality and women's rights, advocating for a more inclusive and empowered society.

Godhe Yatra

Godhe Yatra, a traditional Newar festival, showcases a grand procession of horses and chariots. It's a vibrant display of cultural heritage and artistry. The event draws crowds, fosters community bonds, and promotes cultural preservation.

Nepali New Year (Tentative Date)

Nepali New Year marks the beginning of the Bikram Sambat calendar. It's a time for family gatherings, feasting, and cultural rituals. People clean their homes and exchange blessings, bringing hope and positivity for the year ahead.

Ramjan Edul Fikra

Ramjan Edul Fikra, also known as Eid al-Fitr, is celebrated by the Muslim community. It marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting and spiritual reflection. Families come together, share meals, and exchange gifts, fostering unity and goodwill.

Majdoor Divas

Majdoor Divas, or Labor Day, recognizes the contributions of workers in Nepal. It highlights labor rights and advocates for fair treatment and improved working conditions. The day also serves as a platform for labor unions to voice their concerns.

Buddha Jayanti (Tentative Date)

Buddha Jayanti commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. Buddhists visit shrines, light lamps, and engage in meditation. It promotes peace, compassion, and the teachings of Buddhism, which have deep roots in Nepal.

Ganatantra Diwas (Republic Day)

Ganatantra Diwas, or Republic Day, celebrates the establishment of the federal democratic republic of Nepal. It honors the adoption of the new constitution and the values of democracy, liberty, and equality. It's a proud moment for the nation.

Edul Aajaha

Edul Aajaha, also known as Eid al-Adha, is an Islamic festival. It commemorates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Families offer prayers, share meat with the less fortunate, and strengthen bonds within the community.

Janai Purnima

Janai Purnima, also known as Raksha Bandhan, is a Hindu festival celebrating the sacred thread worn by Brahmins. It signifies protection and purity. Sisters tie threads around their brothers' wrists, and families perform religious rituals for blessings.

Gai Jatra

Gai Jatra, the "Festival of Cows," is a unique Nepali tradition that commemorates the deceased. Families dress up and participate in processions to remember their loved ones. It blends humor, satire, and remembrance, offering comfort and unity in times of grief.

Gaura Parba

Gaura Parba, observed by the indigenous Rai and Limbu communities, celebrates the goddess Gaura. It involves music, dance, and rituals to seek her blessings. The festival showcases the rich cultural diversity of Nepal and promotes cultural harmony.

Shree Krishna Janamashtami (Tentative Date)

Shree Krishna Janamashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna, a beloved deity in Hinduism. Devotees fast, sing bhajans, and engage in plays depicting Krishna's life. It fosters devotion and spiritual reflection, emphasizing the importance of divine love.

Hartalika Teej

Hartalika Teej is a Hindu festival celebrated by women. Married women fast and pray for the well-being of their husbands, while unmarried women seek a good spouse. It's a day of bonding, cultural traditions, and strengthening women's relationships.

Constitution Day

Constitution Day commemorates the promulgation of Nepal's constitution in 2015. It signifies the nation's commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. The day reflects on the journey to a federal democratic republic.

Indra Jatra

Indra Jatra, a Newar festival, celebrates the harvest and pays homage to Lord Indra, the god of rain. The event includes traditional dances, processions, and the raising of the linge (Yosin). It showcases Newar culture and promotes community unity.

Ghatasthapana

Ghatasthapana marks the beginning of Dashain, the biggest Hindu festival in Nepal. Families set up a sacred vessel (ghata) filled with barley seeds, symbolizing the goddess Durga's arrival. It initiates a 15-day celebration of victory over evil forces.

Phulpati (Dashain)

Phulpati is a significant day during Dashain. It involves the offering of various sacred plants and flowers to Goddess Durga. It symbolizes the power of nature and the importance of preserving the environment while celebrating religious traditions.

Astami (Dashain)

Astami, the eighth day of Dashain, is dedicated to the goddess Durga. Devotees worship the goddess, offer sacrifices, and seek her blessings. It represents the triumph of good over evil and reinforces the cultural and religious significance of Dashain.

Nawami (Dashain)

Nawami, the ninth day of Dashain, continues the worship of Goddess Durga. People visit temples, receive tika (blessings), and enjoy festive feasts with family and friends. It deepens the sense of spirituality and community during the Dashain festival.

Dashami (Dashain)

Dashami, the tenth day of Dashain, symbolizes the victory of truth over falsehood. Elders bless the younger generation with tika and jamara (barley grass), and families come together to celebrate with traditional rituals and feasting.

Ekadashi (Dashain)

Ekadashi, the eleventh day of Dashain, marks the conclusion of the festival. It involves final worship and offerings to Goddess Durga. People receive blessings and engage in cultural activities, reinforcing the cultural and spiritual significance of Dashain.

Phalgunanda Jayanti

Phalgunanda Jayanti commemorates the birth of Saint Phalgunanda, a revered figure in the Kirat community. Followers visit his shrine, perform rituals, and celebrate with cultural events, preserving their unique heritage and spiritual traditions.

Laxmi Puja (Tihar)

Laxmi Puja, part of the Tihar festival, worships Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. People light oil lamps, create colorful rangoli, and perform rituals to invite blessings into their homes and businesses. It signifies prosperity and abundance.

Gobhardan Pujan (Tihar)

Gobhardan Pujan, during Tihar, is dedicated to the worship of cows and oxen, considered sacred animals in Hinduism. People decorate and honor these animals, acknowledging their importance in agriculture and daily life in Nepal.

Bhai Tika (Tihar)

Bhai Tika is the final day of Tihar, celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters offer tika and perform rituals for their brothers' well-being. It's a day of love, appreciation, and strengthening family ties through cultural traditions.

Chhat Parwa

Chhat Parwa, a festival originating from the Mithila region of Nepal, worships the sun god. Devotees fast, offer prayers, and perform rituals by rivers or ponds. It's a unique and spiritual celebration that honors nature and the sun's life-giving energy.

Guru Nanak Jayanti

Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. Sikhs visit gurdwaras (Sikh temples), participate in kirtan (spiritual music), and engage in community service to honor his teachings of equality and compassion.

International Day of Disabled Persons

International Day of Disabled Persons promotes awareness and inclusion of people with disabilities. In Nepal, various organizations and individuals work together to advocate for the rights and well-being of disabled individuals.

Christmas Day

Christmas Day is celebrated in Nepal by the Christian community, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. It includes church services, feasting, and the exchange of gifts, fostering unity and celebrating the religious and cultural diversity of the country.

Udhauli Parva

Udhauli Parva is observed by the Kirat community to mark the migration of the sun towards the south. It includes traditional rituals, dances, and prayers, connecting the community with their ancestral traditions and celebrating nature's cycles.

Tamu Lhosar

Tamu Lhosar is the New Year of the Gurung community. It involves cultural performances, feasting, and prayers. The holiday strengthens cultural ties and preserves Gurung traditions, promoting unity and a sense of identity among Gurung people.